Hyderabad: To encourage young and talented filmmakers in Telangana, the Telangana Film Development Corporation (TGFDC) has announced an exciting new contest — Bathukamma Young Film Makers Challenge. The competition aims to provide a platform for emerging creative minds to showcase their storytelling skills through short films and music videos.
The contest was officially launched by TGFDC Chairman and noted film producer, Dil Raju, who also released the event poster.
Objective of the Contest
The Bathukamma Young Film Makers Challenge has been initiated under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Telangana, Sri A. Revanth Reddy, as part of the state government’s efforts to promote local talent and preserve Telangana’s rich culture and traditions.
Participants are invited to create content focusing on:
- Development and welfare schemes implemented by the Telangana government, such as:
- Free bus travel for women (Maha Lakshmi Scheme)
- Gruhajyothi – Free power for households
- Indiramma Housing Scheme
- Young India Sports University
- Young India Residential Schools and other initiatives
- Telangana’s history, culture, festivals, and traditional art forms
The short films and songs submitted should creatively depict these themes, celebrating the essence of Telangana.
Contest Categories
Participants can submit their entries in two categories based on film duration:
- Up to 3 minutes
- Up to 5 minutes
Each entry must be original and exclusively created for this contest.
Prizes
The competition carries attractive cash prizes to motivate participants:
- First Prize: ₹3,00,000
- Second Prize: ₹2,00,000
- Third Prize: ₹1,00,000
- Five Consolation Prizes: ₹20,000 each
Additionally, winners will receive certificates of appreciation and mementos from the Telangana Film Development Corporation.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the Bathukamma Young Film Makers Challenge, entrants must meet the following conditions:
- The age of the participant must be below 40 years.
- The video must be shot in 4K resolution for high-quality output.
- Submissions should strictly adhere to the prescribed themes mentioned above.
- The film or video song should not have been screened or released earlier on any platform.
- The content must be originally created specifically for this contest.
Submission Details
Participants can send their entries via email or WhatsApp (WhatsApp only):
- Email ID: youngfilmmakerschallenge@gmail.com
- WhatsApp Number: 8125834009
The last date for submission is September 30, 2025. Entries received after the deadline will not be considered.
Selection Process
A jury panel consisting of industry experts will evaluate all submissions. The selected winners will be announced after a thorough review based on creativity, technical quality, and alignment with the given themes.
Speaking about the initiative, TGFDC Chairman Dil Raju said,
“This is a golden opportunity for young filmmakers in Telangana to showcase their talent on a big stage. Through this contest, we aim to nurture creativity and provide a platform for budding storytellers. The winners will not only be rewarded with cash prizes but will also receive continuous encouragement and support from the state government for future projects.”
Significance of the Initiative
The Bathukamma Young Film Makers Challenge is more than just a competition — it is a celebration of Telangana’s cultural heritage and progressive policies.
It also aligns with the vision of the state government to make Telangana a hub for creative industries and cinema production, providing opportunities to young talent from both urban and rural areas.
By organizing this challenge, TGFDC is building a bridge between grassroots creativity and mainstream cinema, helping filmmakers get visibility and recognition at an early stage in their careers.
Key Highlights at a Glance:
- Last Date for Entries: September 30, 2025
- Film Duration: 3 minutes or 5 minutes
- Age Limit: Below 40 years
- Format: 4K Resolution
- First Prize: ₹3 lakh
- Second Prize: ₹2 lakh
- Third Prize: ₹1 lakh
- Five Consolation Prizes: ₹20,000 each
- Submission Channels: Email or WhatsApp only
For more details, filmmakers are encouraged to contact TGFDC and take part in this prestigious event that celebrates Telangana’s stories, culture, and aspirations.